Donovan Long
@DonovanLongTV
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3x Emmy, Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist @fox6now • FAMU grad • AΦA • IG donovanlongtv
Milwaukee, WI
Joined March 2016
Since Tony Hawk is trending, let us never forget how smooth this brother skateboarded while reporting live on air!
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To some, this is just a dance, but for me, it’s a sign that my legs are free! This is the first time I’ve strolled since I’ve been out of a wheelchair, and I did it at my line brother’s wedding! God is still in the healing business. Don’t believe me? Just watch! #FreedTheLegs
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In case you’re wondering if God is still a healer, check this out! 8 months after my car accident, I take my first steps without my walker at the doctor’s office. While I still need assistance walking, today is proof that my journey to recovery is almost complete! #FreeTheLegs
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Kobe Bryant would've turned 42 years old today. He, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26. Bryant's devoted fans prepare to honor him tomorrow, a time in California known as Kobe Bryant Day.
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Before my grandmother passed, she would always pick out the ties I wore on the anchor desk. It was our thing. So, in her honor, my little brother gifted me this tie for Christmas. It’s a reminder that she’s not only in my heart—but on this tie! ❤️
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All I'm saying is "Essence" by Wizkid & Tems will never get old or played out. Am I right?.
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Almost 9 months ago, I sat in this very spot in a wheelchair. Days after my car accident on July 2, 2018, I ate at Lakeside Tavern, not knowing if I would ever walk or stand again. Today, I return to this very same restaurant without any medical devices! But God!! #FreeTheLegs
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PRAISE REPORT: I’ve been approved to ditch my wheelchair & primarily use my walker in public, as long as it’s in a place that’s not foreign to me! Jesus is preparing me for a new season in my life & I’m ready! I may be slow & still walk incorrectly, but I’m moving! #FreeTheLegs
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Not sure why Coach Carter is trending this morning, but shout out to Timo Cruz for teaching me “Our Deepest Fear” years ago!
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A year ago today, I started taking my first steps with my walker. When I look back over my life and see how far I’ve come, I’m reminded that God is a miracle worker! Happy Friday, everyone!
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Today was my first day of work & I wore this tie to honor my greatest viewer, my grandma. She passed away from cancer, but yellow was her favorite color. When I anchored/reported in Knoxville, she helped me pick the ties to wear on air. It was our thing. Today was no different!💛
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Volunteers fans marching to the university athletic center to protest UT's possible decision to hire Greg Schiano as its new head football coach
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Reflecting. Two years ago today, I was in a car accident that changed my life and my faith. I had to learn to walk again, but today, I run two miles like I’ve never been in a wheelchair. God, I thank you!
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I haven’t set any recovery goals for myself since the car accident. I was always afraid of letting myself down. As of today, I’m not letting the fear of disappointment hold me back any longer. I told my PT I want to walk again by Jan 8, my bday! It CAN/WILL happen! #FreeTheLegs
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When I stopped putting my trust in my doctors & more trust in HIM, look what happened! I lifted my feet for the first time in almost 4 months & moved my legs for the first time w/o a gait belt to support me. I’m not just telling you what God can do, I’m showing you! #FreeTheLegs
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LIFE UPDATE: The last 2 wks have been a test of my emotions/faith. I’m recovering from a car accident that happened on the job a few wks ago. I may not be able to sit at the anchor desk or stand to report, but I can raise my hands & tell God thanks, for he has already done enough
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It’s the one yr. anniversary of my car accident. I smile b/c I know what God put me through emotionally, spiritually & physically was necessary. It took a lot of faith & rehab, but I can run! Check out my PT video! As I prepare to move to GR, I can FINALLY say I #FreedTheLegs!!!!
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FAMU today. FAMU tomorrow. FAMU forever.
#LVMenSS23.“Strange Math”. A cinematic prelude to the next #LouisVuitton Men’s show explores the relationship between imagination and reality. Watch the fashion show live on June 23rd at 2:30 pm (CEST) on Twitter or at
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I believe in God, I believe in myself and I believe that I will win! For the first time in PT, I added 15 pounds to my leg exercises. It’s not that much weight, but it’s an indication that I’m getting stronger. The victory may be small, but today, it’s mine! #FreeTheLegs
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Reflecting. All of this seemed impossible nearly two years ago when I had to learn to walk again. From a car accident to this. only God.
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To keep it real, I get a little discouraged when I go to physical therapy because I realize how far I still have to go. It’s all good though. The race is not given to the swift nor the strong but unto them that endure to the end!
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A protester asked me if I’m a Christian. I responded yes. Referencing my mask, she then asked why I am living in fear. Honestly, let’s not use Christianity to justify the reason people shouldn’t wear PPE. I wear it because I want to live—not in fear—but to see tomorrow. Amen.
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LIFE UPDATE: I’ve been promoted to co-anchor Daybreak on @WOODTV!. I thank God for growth & another chance to do what I love!. If only my grandparents could see me now. Their prayers are still working. Grateful for my village. I didn’t get here alone!.
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SHE DID IT‼️Most don’t know this: I’ve been living w/ my grandma since I moved to Knoxville for work. She took care of me when I got injured but had to stop b/c she was diagnosed w/ a rare lung cancer. Today, she finished her last treatment & I’m celebrating her! Show her some❤️!
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This is the first time my neurologist has seen me walk into her patient room on my own! We first met when I was in a wheelchair. Now, I’m standing with her 9 months after my car accident. Idk who needs to hear this, but God still performs miracles. Just try him! #FreeTheLegs
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I’m walking by faith and not by sight, as my physical therapist teaches me to take my first steps again. Sure, it’s frustrating and pretty wild to learn to walk, but I shall keep my best foot forward. Can’t stop, won’t stop!!
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What a guy?! Keaton offered to carry my camera after he finished speaking with me first about the support he’s received after being bullied! Our conversation on @wvlt at 6:00! #StandWithKeaton
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I experienced a major breakthrough in PT! For the first time in 4 months, I am learning how to climb again. Although my right leg is still weak, it is able to bear the weight of the rest of my body. The left leg isn’t there yet, but I’m holding on. Change is coming! #FreeTheLegs
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At one point, the thought of me moving my legs this way during PT seemed impossible, but after reflecting on today’s victory, I’m speechless. So, I’ll let my legs do the rest of the talking! January 8 (my personal deadline to walk/birthday) I’m coming for you! #FreeTheLegs
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A talented friend took some photos of my girlfriend and me to celebrate our one year together. Thought I’d share a few favorites here!
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Hours after this pic was taken, I was in tears. My docs determined they still can’t find the reason I’m unable to walk. It has been 3 months-still no answer. Perhaps this is something only God can take away. My docs and fam are discussing next steps. Keep praying! #Freethelegs
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I’ve officially been at @WOODTV for a year! When I prayed for a new job, I had no idea God would take me to Grand Rapids. The winters are harsh, but the people are warm. I’m thankful for growth, my colleagues and the viewers’ trust. Cheers to doing what I love!
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“I am smart. I am blessed. I can do anything!” 3-year-old Ayaan just inspired me to start every morning with these affirmations. Little man, thanks for teaching us all how to speak over and encourage ourselves!
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The family of Arielle Anderson, one of the victims of the MSU shooting, shared this:. “As much as we loved her, she loved us and others even more. She was passionate about helping her friends and family, assisting children and serving people.” @WOODTV
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4 months ago, I repeated “thank you Jesus” to myself. I recall holding back tears, thinking about how badly the car accident could’ve been on I-40W. I’m not where I want to be, but I’m not where I used to be! So, I smile & Philippians 4:13 my way through my journey! #FreeTheLegs
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Everyone entering the Trump rally in Muskegon is offered a free mask & hand sanitizer. @WOODTV.
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Big orange fans continue to protest the possible hire of Greg Schiano as UT’s next head football coach
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I know it’s almost 11:00 at night, but I felt a burning desire to practice walking with my little bro around the house! I’m slow right now, but we are working tonight! 8 months ago, I was confined to a bed. Not today! Walk with me, Lord! Walk with me! #FreeTheLegs
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I waited & prayed for this moment for a year. Now, it’s finally happening! The closed doors, hard nights, PT/neurology appointments were worth it! As I prepare to board my flight to my new home in Grand Rapids, I’m so full! TGBTG for the things he has done & will continue to do!
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Thanking God I’m able to walk and see one of my best friends graduate from FAMU, my alma mater! My guy Brandon earned a Doctor of Pharmacy! #FreeTheLegs
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CAREER UPDATE: I'm heading to Milwaukee!. Thrilled to be joining @fox6now as a Morning Anchor in December! Supremely blessed to be a part of the team & community!. Thank you for all of the prayers and support!. Can't wait to start a new chapter on the other side of Lake Michigan!
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If HE did it before, HE can do it again! Same God right now, same God back then! #SecondEmmy #FreeTheLegs
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Incredible. Gov. Whitmer says the state is launching an initiative to offer tuition-free college for those who provided essential services while Michigan was under the stay-at-home order. @WOODTV
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I woke up w/ thanksgiving in my heart, as I prepare to leave NYC. I came here for a neurology appointment with hopes of finding more answers about my condition. I pray they are found in these vials of blood! Idk why God chose me for this assignment, but I’m thankful! #FreeTheLegs
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God restored everything I lost. This week has been a testament to that. Tomorrow morning, I’ll return to the anchor desk for the first time in a year! So grateful. I never thought I’d have a 2:30 a.m. wake-up call every wknd, but here goes. Send one up for me! See you on @WOODTV
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My time at FAMU for Homecoming this wknd rocked! To my family, professors, friends, classmates and frat bros-I love you! All of you reminded me that I’m not defined by four wheels. Above all, you told me God is my ultimate doctor. I’m recharged and ready to fight! #FreeTheLegs
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HBCUs matter & FAMU is the best HBCU in the land!. Respectfully,. A FAMU alumnus.
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A year ago today, I went to my first concert in a wheelchair. I remember feeling embarrassed/insecure about being seen as handicap, considering I was in the best shape of my life before my car accident. Today, I STAND, giving God thanks for restoring everything! #FreedTheLegs
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Two years ago today, my dad helped me stand out of my wheelchair to accept my second Emmy. I reflect on this pic to remind myself how God restores and provides and to remind others that their disability or setback doesn’t define them or their future.
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Rockin’ my @FAMU_1887 green tie, ahead of today’s game against Southern! Let’s get this W, fellas!
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A year ago today, my neurologist saw me walk into her patient room on my own! I first met her when I was in a wheelchair almost two years ago. Here I am standing with her 9 months after my car accident on July 2, 2018. Moral to the story: God is still in the miracle business!
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I woke up a 31-year-old man today! 🎈. I am full of gratitude, as I celebrate another year on earth with my twin sis. Here’s to more life, more blessings and new memories!
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It’s my beautiful lady’s birthday today! She’s such a gift to this world! ❤️
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Line brothers, you made the news in West Michigan! I thank you all for the continuous love and support. To my producer, Mike, thank you for encouraging me to share this part of my journey with our viewers this morning. Remember, there’s no testimony without a test!
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Hey, everyone! Many of you have reached out asking why I haven’t been on TV lately. Truth is—I tested positive for COVID. Today marks day 7 of isolation. I’ve improved, but I’m still not where I want to be. Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers. Hope to see you all soon!
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Anchoring in my late grandfather’s tie this morning. He gave it to me a few years ago. Love, miss and thinking of him!
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Last year, I attended @FAMU_1887 Homecoming in a wheelchair w/ my favorite Rattler, my dad. I remember questioning if I’d be able to enjoy myself. I did because my FAMU community made sure I wasn’t left behind. For this reason & more, I wish my alma mater a Happy Birthday! 🐍
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Dear God: Today, I woke up. I am alive. I am healthy. Can’t ask for more. Thank you.
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God blessed me with my third Emmy—this one’s for anchoring!!. Deeply humbled & incredibly grateful. Thankful for my village of supporters, motivators & uplifters. I didn’t get here alone. After all, I’m just a boy from Tennessee, who dared to dream & step out on faith! @WOODTV
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Former high school track star Tre Lawson was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, according to ESPN. Docs said he’d never walk again, but God said otherwise! .
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Celebrating another year to bet on myself! Thankful to see another birthday! 🎈
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Celebrating three years at @WOODTV! . Blessed to work with an incredible team and to do what I love in a community that supports local journalism. Thankful for the viewers who invite my colleagues and me into their homes every morning. Glad to call West Michigan home!
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Last year, I let the enemy destroy my confidence. I allowed him to make me feel embarrassed about the way I saw myself in a wheelchair/on a walker. But what the devil meant for evil, God turned around for my good. So, I start 2019 embracing my differences, ready to #FreeTheLegs
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Came into work at 3:45 this morning and found this on my desk! It blesses and humbles me. In a world where so many people are quick to degrade and demean, it’s refreshing to receive a letter like this. @WOODTV
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These #FreeTheLegs shirts may be the greatest, early Christmas present I’ve ever received! To see my family wear the phrase across their chest is overwhelming. On the back is the date of my car accident, July 2, 2018. It’s the day the Lord changed my life for the better!
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My brother, Drake, made history! He’s the first black male User Experience Design graduate at Purdue University! 20-year-old trailblazer! 🎓
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On this night a year ago, my dad helped me stand out of my wheelchair to accept my second Emmy. I dedicated the award to my grandma, who has since passed away from cancer. Moments like this remind me you can still pray strong prayers when you feel weak.
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When you have to anchor the news…then catch a flight right after 😂
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From a wheelchair to crossing my first finish line!. Completed a 10k, the first race of my life, in roughly 57 minutes!. I thought about so much while running, like how far I’ve come in 6 years, how far God’s brought me & how much support I have around me. Immensely grateful!
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God, I don’t know what you have planned for the rest of 2020, but I trust you.
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Post PT thoughts: Ever since I’ve been in a wheelchair, I’ve been asked, several times, if I’m depressed. I’m not! Your prayers, love & support give me hope and amplify the joy God gave me. So, these gums & this smile will be front and center until these legs steal the show! 🤪
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For the first time, I celebrate World Functional Neurological Disorder Week! I was diagnosed w/ FND. It’s fascinating & the reason for my challenges, which resulted from a car accident 9 months ago. So, I celebrate myself, others like me & my journey to walking again #FreeTheLegs
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Deeply humbled to be honored as Best News Anchor in my market! . Incredibly grateful to the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for this recognition over the weekend. Thrilled my good friends were at the ceremony w/ me for support and thankful to God for all of his blessings!
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After telling stories in West Michigan for 5 years, it’s time to say see you later. I’m immensely grateful to have been a part of your lives & @WOODTV over the years. Thanks for inviting me in every.morning & giving me a chance to show up as me, a boy from Tennessee! All love!
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Found this tie in my closet. It belonged to my late grandfather. I realized last night I’ve never worn it, so I changed that this morning. Wearing it on air is a humbling reminder of the love and adoration I had for him. Just thought I’d share!
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Back in studio for the first time in over a week after battling COVID!. Thank you for the love, thoughts, prayers and well wishes. I like to think they were the best medicine. Shout out to this caffeine in my cup because a brotha’s sleep schedule is completely off right now! 🤣
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Just landed in Florida and turned on my phone to find this! Grateful! Thank you @FAMUSJGC82 for the love. I didn’t get here alone. FAMU made!.
Like we said, its #WinningSZN Congratulations to alumnus @DonovanLongTV, thank you for representing us in Michigan and winning “Best News Anchor” for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters! #JSchoolAroundtheNation
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I walked backwards for the first time in nearly 3 months! My docs haven’t been able to diagnose me w/ any illness, disease or disorder. In the coming weeks, I will undergo an invasive procedure w/ hopes of finding answers. Things will work in my favor; I just have to believe!
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Returning to the gym 6 months later in my condition was daunting. I was weaker, slower & on a walker. My trainer also revised the old workouts/added new ones. In this setting, my limitations are obvious, but my dreams to get back in shape are limitless! Let’s get it! #FreeTheLegs
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Hardly home but always reppin!! 🐍. Happy Homecoming week to my alma mater and the best HBCU in the land, @FAMU_1887!
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Morning!. Happy Founders Day to my brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 🤙🏾
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This is how you make a difference and change lives!
So I got the chance to spend the day with my new best bud Keaton. It was unbelievable to get to know him and realize that we have a lot in common. This dude is very special and has changed my life forever. Now I have the little brother I always wanted! God bless you my man
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Y’all know what it’s like being a twin and not seeing your twin for six months? Not cool! Lol finally reunited with Des and took this pic to highlight the link up! Family over everything! ❤️
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The best part of life is being able to worship anywhere with anyone. After cutting my hair, my barber started learning @tashacobbs “You Know My Name” on the fly, so I thought I’d sing along. How’d we do?! 🙌🏾💯🙏🏾
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BREAKING: Phillip Fulmer to serve as UT athletic director following the university’s decision to fire Currie
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@Chrisbluelive and me before our second sit-down interview together. This man is inspirational and driven by faith!
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